Chris Cloete to link up with Munster this week

The Pumas loss to the Blue Bulls in the last round of group games in the Currie Cup at the weekend means that the flanker is now free to link up with his new teammates.

Heading into the game the Pumas knew a five point bonus point win could have seen them grab a semi final spot but it wasn’t to be as a 52-32 defeat meant their elimination from the competition.

26-year-old Cloete has yet to be capped by the Springboks but has appeared for the South African ‘A’ side and has signed a three year deal with Munster. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Erasmus confirmed that Cloete will be joining up with his team mates this week.

“He will be with us this week, obviously he is  registered for Europe as well but I think our current four loose forwards are going really well. I think Peter had an excellent game this weekend, Tommy is very accurate, Jack has had limited opportunities so far in Europe specifically and we have Chris now.

“He is an out and out open sider, he is good on the ball, more like a David Pocock or a Michael Hooper in that style of play but look there is four established guys playing currently really well and then there is some guys in the A side that also played really well this weekend when the beat Ospresy so he will have to wait for his turn.”

So what are munster getting from their newest backrow addition? At 5 foot 9 inches, Cloete is not very tall for his position but what he might lack in height, he more than makes up for in other areas. The highlights reel below should give you an indication.

Munster are getting an abrasive ball carrying back row player who consistently breaks the gain line and giving go-forward ball for this fellow forwards to run on to and as a consequence quicker ball for the backline.

But Cloete also offers a lot in a defensive capacity with an effective counter rucking game that is capable of disrupting the opposition’s plans for quick ball or forcing turnovers.